She trembled with a suggestion of unknown forces.

Not to save a new and growing pride would she evade any question from this man upon whom she had no claim, to whom she owed her life and her bringing up.

But something cold formed in her.
Belllounds, self-centered and serious as he strangely was, seemed to check his probing, either from fear of hearing more from her or from an awakening of former kindness.

But her reply was a shock to him, and, throwing down his pencil with the gesture of a man upon whom decision was forced, he rose to tower over her.
"You've been like a daughter to me.

I've done all I knowed how fer you.
I've lived up to the best of my lights.